The fact that Liverpool currently sit outside the European places in the table and are almost 20 points behind the league champions would lead many to believe that we are absolutely miles away from being serious title contenders. While that line of thinking is understandable the question is, how far are Liverpool really from being able to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. Liverpool have shown this season that head to head they can challenge each of the top four teams comfortably.
As with every other big club that underachieves, our dropped points against teams below us in the table have cost us dearly this season. Saying that, aside from the defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, I can honestly say that the last time Liverpool’s squad looked so strong was in the 08/09 season where we pushed Manchester United all the way in the title race. Liverpool are not as far off the title scene as many believe and with the right acquisitions during the summer, we can prove the doubters wrong and burst back into life next season.
I believe that to be the best in the Premier League, you need to have a team that can combat all elements. For example, during Arsenal’s undefeated season in 2004, their squad was full of big, strong athletes who also had good pace and incredible technique. Fast forward to 2011 and while there is no doubt that Arsenal’s squad still boasts superb technique, they are now physically much smaller on the whole and subsequently struggle with set pieces more than most teams.
In recent years, both Chelsea and Manchester United have dominated the Premiership using squads full of big players along with quick, athletic players. Speaking in terms of Liverpool, I believe we are almost there. We are just missing one vital ingredient which could take us to the next level: pace. If you compiled a list of the world’s best attacking footballers, you can bet that more than half of them would be recognised as being blessed with speed. Liverpool have quite a few talented attacking players, but admittedly, the amount of pace throughout our side needs to be improved upon.
Out of our forwards, only Luis Suarez can claim to have decent acceleration, while David N’gog is far too inconsistent to be able to utilise his pace effectively. Along with them we’ve had Ryan Babel (apparently our fastest player at the time) sold in January while our only other quick forward, Milan Jovanovic, is a sure-fire goner this summer. Having good pace throughout a squad should never be underestimated, and it is vital that we rectify our lack of speed during the summer transfer window if we really want to challenge for titles again.
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next years our year la
Pace and skill we miss in abundance.
We need a playmaker,decent wingers and a Left back.
Also maybe a CB who can score from corners!
if ya a lfc fan i think we alredy know that
We need some pace, some skill, some heart and some referees who can be fair, stick it to fergie and not MANURE Supporters!!
OK we need an injection of pace but if we buy wingers then who makes way for them I think Kuyt and Suarez will only get better, so with Carrol in the middle it leaves room on the left for one pacey winger. Personally I think we should look to buy quality wing backs rather than wingers as the existing forwards and Mireles have shown a fair amount of firepower and I think they will get even better with time and don’t forget Stevie G. knows his way to goal and think we should hold on to Aquilani and not sell him on the cheap.
I think Liverpool are about 3 quality players away from challenging for the Premiership. A good centre-half to cover for Carra who is coming to the end of his career. A “strong” Souness-type midfielder to give some steel to the midfield when we play the likes of Stoke, Blackburn and the like. Lastly a winger-cum-attacker with lots of pace. With the up-and-coming players we have from the Reserves, I think we will have an immense squad come next season.
Starting from the back we need one left back, at least one centre half. In midfield we could do with an out and out defensive midfielder, I don’t think this will happen given Kenny seems to view Lucas in that role (I’d prefer he played higher up the pitch) and Spearing getting a new contract. We could do with a playmaker and we need 2 or 3 wide players with pace and trickery. and finally we need a 4th striker. So we are 7 players away although if you get another league as poor as this one has been maybe 5 top players would see us having a genuine shout. The other thing we need is the mindset but I believe Kenny will bring that, look how he turned a relegation threatened shambles into a top 6 team in 3 months.
This what I think we need:
Striker: Just one striker with quality. Pacheco stays on first team and eases into first team.
Wingers: Two Wingers would be fantastic. If we only get one, needs to be left footed and need pace. Personally, I like N’Zogbia, James McCarthy, Downing and Young. Payet, Hazzard etc are also great players, but long shot.
Midfielders: One holding Midfielder. Need a young powerful and athletic holding midfielder. Spearing will provide excellent depth at this position.
LEFT BACK: Flanno was great, but I still think he should be our depth, not our starter. It would be great if we get Enrique or Emilio Izaguirre. Either or, the person should be prepared to play EPL football.
Center Halfs – Carragher (age), Agger (always hurt), Skrtl (everyone is so harsh on this guy, but I think he played a vital stretch of good football. He needs a good fast start and play with good form for entire season. Kelly and Wilson should be back ups here with Kelly definitely playing behind Johnson at Right Back. Ayala should be on the first team or should be loaned out to EPL club for this season to get more experience and value. Dunn or Cahill or both? Can we trust our youth in this area?
All we need is 2 wingers and a centre back
we just need a striker and a lb…
falcao or benzema or hulk can perfectly fit in our squard as strikers…
If Carroll is to be utilised two wingers with pace and good crossing is a must a c.b or 2 is needed i would sell Agger.
A defensive mid like Mvila or Matuidi a l.b. and a backup striker/attacking mid.
Liverpool are still a fair distance off the top 4 when you look at their depth.